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Oracle goes in hard on Google Java suit

Claims Java was pillaged to make Android

Oracle has updated its patent infringement suit against Google. Now the enterprise software corporation has point-blank accused the ad broker of directly copying its Java code, according to reports.

According to InfoWorld, the originally vague suit now includes specific examples of code that Oracle claims Google had filched to use in Android, with examples thoughtfully attached. These include class libraries and documentation.

Apparently Oracle charges that "approximately one-third" of the Android API packages are "derivative" of Oracle's Java APIs.

It even claims that "in at least several instances, Android computer program code also was directly copied from copyrighted Oracle America code."

Google hasn't said anything on the latest suit, but had previously condemned Oracle's action as an "attack" on the broader Java community.

If Oracle's looking to fight a war, it appears to be prepared to fight on several fronts.

As well as Google, Oracle has an ongoing spat with SAP, alleging the German firm copied Oracle trade secrets. That is due to get a court hearing next week.

The SAP spat has also further inflamed Oracle boss Larry Ellison's testy relations with HP. Former SAP boss Leo Apotheker replaced Mark Hurd as HP CEO after the latter left in the wake of an expenses brouhaha. Hurd subsequently joined Oracle. Apotheker may, or may not, be called to testify at the court case. In the meantime, HP chairman and ex-Oracle president Ray Lane has defended his CEO, drawing further ire from Ellison.

Right now it seems as if Ellison is angry at the whole world, or at least his neighbours in Silicon Valley – which seems to mean the same thing. ®

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